Salvador Dalí 'Adam and Eve' Bas-Relief Gold Foil Sculpture
Art Ingot/Bas-Relief Plaque · Yellow Gold foil; classic deep golden hue typical of high-purity decorative gilding.
Purity: 23K-24K Gold Leaf/Foil (95.8% to 99.9% purity layer typically applied over a base metal or resin core).
Type
Art Ingot/Bas-Relief Plaque
Purity
23K-24K Gold Leaf/Foil (95.8% to 99.9% purity layer typically applied over a base metal or resin core).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold foil; classic deep golden hue typical of high-purity decorative gilding.
Weight
Total weight approx. 100-250 grams (mostly core material); Gold content is negligible by weight (likely under 0.1g total).
Description
An exquisite bas-relief plaque titled 'Adam and Eve'. The piece depicts the biblical figures in a surrealist style, flanking a central tree with a coiled serpent. The forms are fluid and anatomical, characteristic of Dalí's later draftsmanship. The use of gold foil creates a luminous, ethereal effect that highlights the dynamic textures of the background against the smooth, curvaceous figures.
Key Features
Stylized serpent, elongated figures with Daliesque proportions, and the artist's facsimile signature integrated into the lower design.
Color & Finish
High-luster rich yellow gold; finish features a combination of smooth polished relief and a stippled, textured background effect.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved signature of 'Dali' in the lower left/center of the image; often accompanied by '999' or 'Gold on Silver/Bronze' on the reverse or frame edge.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4 inches x 8 inches (standard for this specific bas-relief series).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely metallic/relief construction with textural ornamentation.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; typically mounted in a wood or metal frame for wall display.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; utilizes a rectangular plaque construction with a flat reverse.
Craftsmanship Details
Produced via electroforming or foil-stamping over a mold; features high-relief detail with consistent thickness and expert textural variation.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Dalí signature style; consistent texture work seen in the 1970s 'Images of the World' or similar religious series; depth of relief is consistent with electroforming or stamping.
Origin & Maker
Spain/France; likely produced by a specialized art foundry such as Art 21 or similar under license from the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation.
Era & Period
Modern/Surrealist; specifically 1970s-early 1980s when Dalí collaborated on various precious metal editions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1982; produced during the height of Dalí's mass-marketed sculptural editions.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of Fine Art and Religious Iconography, reflecting European Surrealism's fascination with subconscious interpretations of biblical themes.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Good; visible ripples in the foil near the edges (typical for thin-layer gold art), minimal oxidation, and slight age-related wear to the frame.
Value Estimate
Market value $200 - $600 USD. Value is based primarily on artistic merit/collectibility rather than gold melt value, which is nominal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth. Never use liquid cleaners or silver polish as it will strip the microscopic gold layer. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Similar Items
Silver-gilt versions of the same relief, or the 'Lincoln in Dalivision' bas-relief series which uses similar textural techniques.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí was one of the first major artists to embrace commercial licensing for decorative gold objects, making his art accessible to the rising middle-class collector market of the 1970s.